The Banares Clan faced the new year with news of a tragedy: Joel Magtuba Banares, third child of Fidel S. Banares Sr. and Gaudencia Magtuba is dead. His death came as a surprise to the clan. He was the first blow to the third generation. His body lays in state at the Funeraria Nacional along Araneta Avenue, Quezon City. He left behind four children: JB, Chin-Chin, Denden and Jepoy. Joel was a devout follower of the El Shadai Catholci Charismatic Group led by Mike Velarde. At the time of his death, 10 prayer requests in the form of letters to God were found underneath his pillow.
